Though I am based in Key West, I do wedding photography all over South Florida and the Keys. Each area in Florida has its own vibe and feel, and Sam and Charlie chose Coral Gables for their fun yet elegant wedding ceremony and reception.
If you’re just beginning to plan a wedding and you are considering South Florida, Miami or the Florida Keys for your wedding then you’re going to want to check out my article here, it’s full of good information from my many years of photographing weddings in this area.
Back to Sam and Charlie! I met these two at a wedding I photographed here in Key West, and when we first connected on the phone when they called to talk about me photographing their Miami wedding, I knew we were a great fit. They are the kind of people who just live life big, and who aren’t afraid to drop their guard down. Having a great party at their wedding was one of their priorities, and I am always there for that.
They took advantage of the fact that I offer engagement sessions all over South Florida, so I hopped in the car and drove up to Coral Gables, and we did their session at the Matheson Hammock Park. I knew at this session that their wedding was going to be spectacular because the advice I had given them about just being themselves and being in the moment was not a problem for them. They let their natural, fun-loving personalities shine through, and we had a great time.
Another thing I really liked is that both Sam and Charlie wanted to put special emphasis on the more candid parts of the days. They specifically wanted intimate coverage of the getting ready process and the dance at the reception. I love this because I think a lot of people don’t realize how much emotion and energy are expressed in those photos, and they made sure to let me know those were the photos they wanted to remember their day by.
Fast forward to the wedding day, the ceremony was held at Coral Gables United Church of Christ, a stunning Spanish style church it really had that old South Florida feel that is just beautiful and timeless.
The reception was at one of Miami’s most elegant social gathering spot for events and weddings, Briza on the Bay. It fit perfectly into their clean white aesthetic that they were going for; what a gorgeous venue this is.
It was no problem at all, delivering those high energy dance photos that Sam and Charlie wanted; this reception was full-on from the time the first note of music was played. They treated their guests to a Hora Loca performance, which kicked it into high gear. If you’ve never heard of a Hora Loca, it’s a Spanish for “The Crazy Hour” where performers wear outrageous costumes, party hats, glow sticks and man, do they get the party started. This Hora was done by Black and Wine, and they absolutely killed it.
I loved every moment of this high energy Miami wedding! Sam and Charlie, thanks for trusting me to photograph your South Florida wedding and including me in this awesome party!
Planning a South Florida, Miami or Florida Keys wedding? I’d love to talk with you and share more about this beautiful area of the country. Get in touch and let’s see if we are a good fit!
Ceremony Venue: Coral Gables Community Church
Reception Venue: Briza on the Bay
Planner: Cely’s Events – Aracely Carbonell
Florist: Events by Vivian Colls
Hair and Makeup: Renata Estepan
Caterer: Briza on the Bay
Transportation: Meilan Limos
Wedding Invitation and Save The Date Printer: The Card Cottage
DJ/Entertainment – DJ FUEGO – MPE Event Group
Videographer: Creative Fox Films
